An accelerated BSN program allows students to earn a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) degree in an accelerated format, typically 12-18 months. While accelerated BSN programs enable students to jumpstart their nursing careers quickly, they also come with unique challenges. Here are some tips to help you succeed in an accelerated BSN program:
Manage Your Time Wisely
- Accelerated programs move very fast, covering a lot of material in a short timeframe. Stay organized and don’t procrastinate.
- Treat school like a full-time job and schedule dedicated study time. Block out 2-3 hours each day to read, review notes, complete assignments, and study.
- Take advantage of small chunks of time between classes, activities, and errands to review flashcards or listen to lectures.
- Stay on top of due dates and avoid falling behind, which can quickly snowball.
- Use calendars, planners, and apps to schedule study sessions and keep track of deadlines across all your courses.
Optimize Your Study Habits
- Accelerated courses require students to learn and retain a lot of information quickly. Organize notes, diagrams, recordings, and other study materials so they are easy to access and review.
- Study actively through methods like flashcards, practice questions, group reviews, and teaching concepts to others. Passive studying like re-reading notes is less effective.
- Study consistently in smaller sessions versus cramming; cramming leads to poor long-term retention.
- Get enough sleep and take breaks to avoid burnout. Your brain needs downtime to process new information.
- Be strategic in what you study. Focus more on challenging concepts and key nursing responsibilities versus memorizing every fact.
Leverage Peer Support
- Form study groups with peers and meet regularly to discuss challenging topics, quiz each other, and brainstorm real patient scenarios.
- Ask classmates for advice if you are struggling with a concept and offer your expertise to help others.
- Vent frustrations and celebrate victories together. Your peers are going through the same demanding program and can relate.
- Lean on peers who have already completed the courses you are taking for insights on the best ways to study and prepare.
Take Advantage of Instructors’ Office Hours
- Don’t be afraid to ask for help from professors, TAs, clinical instructors, and nursing lab faculty. They want you to succeed.
- Come prepared with specific concepts or skills you need clarification on. Review lecture notes beforehand.
- Incorporate their feedback into your learning process.
- Build connections with faculty who take an interest in your progress. These mentors can provide letters of recommendation and ongoing support.
Stay Healthy and Focused
- Accelerated programs are mentally exhausting. Make your health a priority by eating nutritious foods, exercising, getting quality sleep, and taking time to decompress.
- Minimize outside stressors and distractions when possible. Say no to extra obligations that don’t support your studies.
- Reflect on why you wanted to become a nurse. Revisit your goals and motivation during the difficult times.
- Remember that this intense program is temporary. Focus on the end goal of becoming an RN and providing compassionate care.
With focus, determination, and the right strategies, you can absolutely thrive in an accelerated BSN program. Believe in your abilities and don’t be afraid to ask for help when you need it. You’ve got this!
